Uses Of Lucky Bamboo

A small, bamboo-like plant often sold in decorative containers, lucky bamboo is thought to attract abundance in many areas of life. While it's actually a member of the lily family known as Dracaena sanderiana, it does resemble bamboo. However, it fairs better as a potted plant, since it grows much slower and is smaller than many true bamboo varieties. Whether giving lucky bamboo as a gift or placing it in areas of your home for feng shui or decoration, it's useful as a beacon of good energy.DecorationLucky bamboo is often used for decoration. It requires little care, sunlight or attention such as pruning or fertilization, so it's a favorite plant for offices or in homes where plants may be neglected or forgotten about from time to time. This plant is frequently sold in decorative pots as a finished product rather than something to take home and re-pot in a more attractive vessel, which again makes it a good choice if you don't want to put much effort into plant care.AquariumsLucky bamboo thrives in water as well as in soil, making it a suitable aquarium plant. It aerates and oxygenates aquarium water, which benefits fish. In a watery environment, lucky bamboo fares better with its leaves completely out of the water, otherwise they may rot. The plant requires fresh rather than saltwater. It can also be grown in water without being in an aquarium.Feng ShuiFeng shui is a practice of bringing and maintaining balance in our surroundings, often enhanced by natural elements. Lucky bamboo represents wood as a natural element; a red ribbon tied to the bamboo indicates the element fire, which fuels positive results. The plant's use in feng shui is to bring a sense of safety and well-being to a room or a home by creating a sense of balance.CareLucky bamboo requires prefers indirect over direct, bright sunlight. Its roots require continual moisture. If the plant is yellowing, it may be receiving too much sunlight. The type of water used on the plant could also cause yellowing. Filtered or spring water feeds lucky bamboo better than chlorinated tap water. Over time, the yellowing will spread beyond leaves into the entire plant, eventually killing it. Switch to a filtered water to see if the plant's health improves. If using tap water, let it sit a night or two before adding the lucky bamboo. Water from a freshwater fish tank can be added to fertilize the plant.How to Water a Lucky Bamboo Oriental PlantYou have probably seen the novelty plant known as Lucky Bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana) in nurseries, discount stores or even supermarkets. Also known as the ribbon plant, this plant is not actually related to bamboo. Commonly, the Lucky Bamboo is planted not in soil but in water. Transparent containers of glass or acrylic show off the glass beads or colorful stones anchoring the roots. In addition, the stems of the plant are frequently braided or curled in decorative patterns. However, the Lucky Bamboo grows in soil even better than in just water. In either medium, proper watering techniques are important if you want your plant to thrive.Lucky Bamboo Planted in Water1.Filter your tap water or use bottled water to avoid harmful soluble salts, such as chlorine and fluoride.2.Change the water completely at least every two weeks.3.Add enough filtered water between water changes to replace water that evaporates. Keep the water at a level to just cover the stones or glass beads at the bottom of the container.Lucky Bamboo Planted in Soil1.Plant Lucky Bamboo in a pot with drainage holes in the bottom. Lucky Bamboo plants grow slowly, so a large pot or planter is not necessary. Set the pot in a saucer to catch excess water.2.Check the soil daily by sticking a finger into the soil about an inch. In containers up to 10 inches in diameter, the soil should be completely dry to a depth of at least 1/2-inch before the Lucky Bamboo needs watering. Because it is relatively slow growing, the Lucky Bamboo will need less frequent irrigation than faster growing plants. Do not let the soil reach an extremely dry or hard condition.3.Use purified bottled water or filter your tap water to remove soluble salts, such as chlorine and fluoride, which damage Lucky Bamboo.4.Water the soil so that it becomes thoroughly moistened. Add a little bit more to help leach out residual soluble salts. Wait for excess water to drain out of the soil into the saucer. Pour the excess water out of the saucer. Do not let the pot set in the saucer for more than a day.